Residential Microgrid

A locally controlled energy system that integrates distributed generation, energy storage, and loads — and can operate both connected to the main utility grid and independently (islanded). A residential microgrid is the application of this architecture to a private property. The defining characteristic of a microgrid is intelligent, coordinated control: components don't just coexist, they are actively managed as a unified system. This is what distinguishes a true microgrid from a generator + battery installed at the same address.

The intelligence layer of a residential microgrid — a dedicated power management computer that monitors all energy sources and loads in real-time, optimizes battery state of charge, decides when to start/stop generators, manages power flow between sources, executes load shedding if needed, and enables remote monitoring. A microgrid controller is what distinguishes a true microgrid from a collection of independently operating devices. Consumer battery products use basic inverter logic, not a dedicated controller.

An operating state in which an appropriately configured property electrical system is isolated from the utility grid and supplied by local resources such as storage or generation. Island-mode capability, transition behavior, supported loads, and runtime depend on system architecture, approved protective equipment, available energy, and site conditions.